Medical device with expansion mechanism

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses and methods for accessing a tissue and expanding an apparatus within the tissue are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first elongate body having a distal end portion that includes a plurality of cutting portions, a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The plurality of cutting portions is configured to disrupt at least a portion of tissue within a biological body when the distal end portion is in the expanded configuration. A second elongate body is coupled to the first elongate body. An actuator is operatively coupled to a proximal end portion of the second elongate body and configured to bias the second elongate body such that the distal end portion of the first elongate body is in the expanded configuration. The actuator is configured to move the second elongate body such that first elongate body is in the collapsed configuration when the actuator is actuated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/818,996, entitled “Medical Device With Dual ExpansionMechanism,” filed Jul. 7, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference. This application is related to U.S. PatentApplication entitled “Medical Device With Dual Expansion Mechanism,”Attorney Docket No. KYPH-021/01US 305363-2104, and U.S. PatentApplication entitled “Medical Device With Expansion Mechanism,” AttorneyDocket No. KYPH-021/03US 305363-2207, both filed on same date as thisapplication, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to medical devices and procedures,including, for example, a medical device for percutaneously accessing atissue and expanding the device with a dual expansion mechanism.

Known medical devices are configured to access percutaneously a vertebraor other area of a spine to perform a variety of different medicalprocedures. Some known medical devices are configured to remove tissuefrom within the interior of a vertebra or intervertebral disc. Otherknown medical devices are configured to provide some type of cuttingmeans to tear, disrupt and/or loosen tissue within a vertebra orintervertebral disc.

In some medical procedures, while a medical device is cutting tissue,disrupted or cut material, such as tissue within a vertebra, can becomelodged within the device making it difficult to collapse the device forextraction from the vertebra.

A need exists for an apparatus and method for disrupting tissue within abiological body, such as tissue within a vertebra, that can be expandedand collapsed within the biological body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Apparatuses and methods for accessing a tissue and expanding anapparatus within the tissue are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, anapparatus includes a first elongate body having a distal end portion.The distal end portion has a plurality of cutting portions, a collapsedconfiguration and an expanded configuration. The plurality of cuttingportions is configured to disrupt at least a portion of tissue within abiological body when the distal end portion is in the expandedconfiguration. A second elongate body is movably coupled to the firstelongate body. An actuator is operatively coupled to a proximal endportion of the second elongate body and configured to bias the secondelongate body such that the distal end portion of the first elongatebody is in the expanded configuration. The actuator configured to movethe second elongate body such that first elongate body is in thecollapsed configuration when the actuator is actuated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a medical device according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of a medicaldevice shown in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the medicaldevice of FIG. 2 shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of an expandable member of themedical device of FIGS. 2 and 3 shown in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the portion of an expandable member of FIG. 4shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of an expandable member of themedical device of FIGS. 2 and 3 shown in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the portion of an expandable member of FIG. 6shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the medical device ofFIG. 2 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the medicaldevice of FIG. 3 taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a medical device including a cut-away view ofthe handle according to an embodiment of the invention shown in acollapsed configuration.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 10 shown in anexpanded configuration.

FIG. 12 is a side view shown partially in cross-section of a portion ofa medical device shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the medical device of FIG. 12 takenalong line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 12 including acut-away view of the handle shown in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 14 shown in anexpanded configuration.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a portion of a medical device according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the medical device of FIG. 16 takenalong line 17-17 in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a medical device according to an embodiment ofthe invention shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 18 shown in acollapsed configuration.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a medical device according to an embodiment ofthe invention shown in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 20 shown in anexpanded configuration.

FIG. 22 is aside view of a medical device including a cut-away view ofthe handle according to an embodiment of the invention shown in anexpanded configuration.

FIG. 23 is a side perspective view of a portion of a medical deviceaccording to another embodiment of the invention shown in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 24 is a side perspective view of the portion of the medical deviceof FIG. 23 shown in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 25 is a side perspective view of a portion of a medical deviceaccording to another embodiment of the invention shown in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 26 is a side perspective view of a portion of a medical deviceaccording to another embodiment of the invention shown in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 27 is a side perspective view of a portion of a medical deviceaccording to another embodiment of the invention shown in an expandedconfiguration.

FIG. 28 is a side perspective view of a medical device according to anembodiment of the invention shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 29 is a side perspective view of the elongate member of the medicaldevice of FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 is a side perspective view of a distal portion of the medicaldevice of FIG. 28 shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 31 is a side perspective view of a medical device according to anembodiment of the invention shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 32 is a side perspective view of the elongate member of the medicaldevice of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of a distal portion of the medicaldevice of FIG. 31 shown in an expanded configuration.

FIG. 34 is a side view of a medical device according to an embodiment ofthe invention shown in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 35 is a side view of the medical device of FIG. 34 shown in anexpanded configuration.

FIGS. 36-38 are each a flowchart illustrating a method according todifferent embodiments of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The devices and methods described herein are configured for percutaneousdeployment within an interior area of a patient's body, such as within ahard tissue area (e.g., bone structure) or soft tissue area of apatient. In some embodiments, the apparatus and methods disrupt, sever,and/or cut a portion of a tissue within a tissue area. In someembodiments, the apparatus and methods create a cavity within the tissuearea. For example, a medical device according to an embodiment of theinvention includes an expandable member that can be expanded whiledisposed within a tissue and rotated or otherwise caused to move suchthat a cutting portion disposed on the expanded member cuts tissuewithin the tissue area of the patient.

In some embodiments a medical device as described herein can be used todistract soft tissue, bone, or other biological material. For example, amedical device according to some embodiments that can be used to preparea bone, such as a vertebral body, for insertion of an inflation balloontamp (IBT). The medical device can be used, for example, to scrapebiological material within the bone to form a cavity to allow a user tomore easily insert the IBT and reduce the likelihood of ruptures to theballoon during inflation. The medical devices described herein caninclude a whisk-like member formed with, for example, a super-elasticnitinol tube. The medical device can include flared portions at a distalend that are formed by laser-cut slits or notches in the sidewall of thetube. The slits or notches can be evenly spaced around a diameter of thetube, or spaced at different distances from around the tube. The flaredportion can be actuated between a collapsed configuration for insertioninto a body, and an expanded configuration for use in distracting,scraping, tearing, etc. biological material within a tissue orbiological structure.

In some embodiments, the flared portions can be actuated using a sheath.In some embodiments, the flared portions can be actuated using a pullrodor a pushrod. In other embodiments, both a sheath and a pullrod or apushrod can be used to actuate the flared portions. Some embodiments ofa medical device include two members that have flared portions. The sizeof the flared portions can be varied to accommodate the formation ofdifferent sized cavities. For example, the size and/or pitch of theflared portions can be varied; the number and location of the flaredportions can also be varied. In some embodiments, a medical device canhave flared portions only on one side of the medical device. The medicaldevice and flared portions can thus be sized or tailored for use indifferent medical procedures, and in different areas of anatomy.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first expandable memberconfigured to disrupt a body when in an expanded configuration androtated relative to the body. A second expandable member is disposedwithin the first expandable member and is configured to block at least aportion of disrupted portions of the body from being disposed within thefirst expandable member.

In another embodiment, an elongate body includes a distal end portionhaving an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. At leasta portion of a flexible member having an expanded configuration and acollapsed configuration is disposed within the distal end portion of theelongate body. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the flexiblemember. An actuator is coupled to the reservoir. The actuator isconfigured to actuate the elongate body between its collapsedconfiguration and its expanded configuration while simultaneouslyactuating movement of fluid contained within the reservoir and theflexible member to actuate the flexible member between its collapsedconfiguration and its expanded configuration.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first elongate body having adistal end portion. The distal end portion has a plurality of cuttingportions, a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. Theplurality of cutting portions is configured to disrupt at least aportion of tissue within a biological body when the distal end portionis in the expanded configuration. A second elongate body is movablycoupled to the first elongate body. An actuator is operatively coupledto a proximal end portion of the second elongate body and configured tobias the second elongate body such that the distal end portion of thefirst elongate body is in the expanded configuration. The actuator isconfigured to move the second elongate body such that first elongatebody is in the collapsed configuration when the actuator is actuated.

In one embodiment, a method includes rotating a distal end portion of anexpandable medical device within a biological body such that at least aportion of tissue within the biological body is disrupted. The distalend portion of the medical device defines a plurality of openings incommunication with an interior region. After rotating the distal endportion of the medical device, a distal end portion of an elongatemember is moved distally within a lumen of the medical device and intothe interior region of the distal end portion of the medical device. Theelongate member is configured to displace tissue fragments from theinterior region. In some embodiments, after the rotating, a fluid isintroduced into the interior region of the medical device via theelongate member.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first elongate body thatincludes a distal end portion having a plurality of cutting portions, acollapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The plurality ofcutting portions is configured to disrupt at least a portion of tissuewithin a biological body when the distal end portion is in the expandedconfiguration. A second elongate body is movably coupled to the firstelongate body. An actuator is operatively coupled to a proximal endportion of the second elongate body and configured to bias the secondelongate body such that the distal end portion of the first elongatebody is in the expanded configuration. The actuator is configured tomove the second elongate body such that first elongate body is in thecollapsed configuration when the actuator is actuated.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a sheath defining a lumen andan elongate body at least partially disposed within the lumen of thesheath. The elongate body has a distal end portion that has a collapsedconfiguration and an expanded configuration. A rod is movably disposedwithin a lumen of the elongate body. An actuator is coupled to thesheath and the rod and configured to bias the sheath into a firstposition and the rod into a first position such that the distal endportion of the elongate body is in the expanded configuration.

In one embodiment, a method includes inserting a medical device in acollapsed configuration at least partially into a biological body. Themedical device has a sheath and an elongate body at least partiallydisposed within a lumen of the sheath. After the inserting, the sheathis moved proximally such that a distal end portion of the elongate bodyis disposed outside of the lumen of the sheath and within the biologicalbody. The distal end portion of the elongate body has a plurality ofcutting portions. The method also includes rotating the medical devicesuch that the cutting portions of the distal end portion of the elongatebody disrupt at least a portion of tissue within the biological body.

In one embodiment, a method includes rotating a distal end portion of anexpandable medical device within a biological body such that at least aportion of tissue within the biological body is disrupted. The distalend portion of the medical device defines a plurality of openings incommunication with an interior region. After the rotating, a distal endportion of an elongate member is moved distally within a lumen of themedical device and into the interior region of the distal end portion ofthe medical device. The elongate member is configured to displace tissuefragments from the interior region.

In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body that includesa distal end portion having a collapsed configuration and an expandedconfiguration. The distal end portion of the elongate body defines aplurality of openings in communication with an interior region when thedistal end portion of the elongate body is in the expandedconfiguration. An elongate member is movably disposable within a lumenof the elongate body. The elongate member is configured to move tissuefragments from the interior region and through the plurality of openingswhen the distal end portion is in the expanded configuration.

It is noted that, as used in this written description and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, theterm “a lumen” is intended to mean a single lumen or a combination oflumens. Furthermore, the words “proximal” and “distal” refer todirection closer to and away from, respectively, an operator (e.g.,surgeon, physician, nurse, technician, etc.) who would insert themedical device into the patient, with the tip-end (i.e., distal end) ofthe device inserted inside a patient's body. Thus, for example, thecatheter end inserted inside a patient's body would be the distal end ofthe catheter, while the catheter end outside a patient's body would bethe proximal end of the catheter.

The term “tissue” is used here to mean an aggregation of similarlyspecialized cells that are united in the performance of a particularfunction. For example, a tissue can be a soft tissue area (e.g., amuscle), a hard tissue area (e.g., a bone structure), a vertebral body,an intervertebral disc, a tumor, etc. The terms “body” and “biologicalbody” are also referred to herein to have a similar meaning as the termtissue.

The term “cutting portion” is used here to mean a component of anapparatus having at least one cutting surface and being configured to,for example, cut, sever, disrupt, scrape, or tear tissue. The cuttingportion can be, for example, a cutting surface disposed on an elongatebody, such as a cutting surface disposed on an edge of an expandableportion of an elongate body. The cutting portion can also be a separatecomponent coupled to a medical device.

The term “sheath” is used here to mean a component of the apparatushaving one or more passageways configured to receive a device or othercomponent. For example, a sheath can be substantially tubular. A sheathcan be a variety of different shapes and size, such as having a round,square, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or octagonal inner and/orouter perimeter. The sheath can be, for example, a cannula.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a medical device according to anembodiment of the invention. A medical device 20 includes a firstexpandable member 22 and a second expandable member 24 disposed at leastpartially within an interior volume or region (not shown in FIG. 1)defined by the first expandable member 22. The first expandable member22 can be for example, disposed on or incorporated with an elongatebody. Likewise, the second expandable member 24 can be disposed on orincorporated with an elongate body. A first cutting portion (not shownin FIG. 1) can be disposed on the first expandable member 22, as will bedescribed in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments.The cutting portion can be a separate component coupled to the firstexpandable member 22 and/or second expandable member 24, or a sharpenededge or surface defined by the first expandable member 22 and/or secondexpandable member 24.

In some embodiments, the first expandable member 22 can be disposedwithin a lumen of a third elongate body, such as a sheath 30, that canbe used to move the first expandable member 22 between a collapsedconfiguration and an expanded configuration. For example, the firstexpandable member 22 can be formed with a shape-memory material, such asnitinol, and have an expanded preset configuration. The first expandablemember 22 can include multiple arms and have a whisk-type shape. Forexample, the first expandable member 22 can be formed from a tubularmember that has a portion with slits cut (e.g., laser cut) along anouter surface to define multiple arms. In some embodiments, the firstexpandable member 22 can be a separate component coupled to an elongatebody. For example, the arms can be formed as one or more separatecomponents that are coupled to an elongate body. The first expandablemember 22 can be restrained in the collapsed configuration whiledisposed within a lumen of the sheath. When the first expandable member22 is released from or disposed outside of the lumen of the sheath, thefirst expandable member 22 will be biased into its preset expandedconfiguration. Alternatively, the first expandable member 22 can beformed with other material(s) such as a flexible material that willallow the first expandable member 22 to be moved to an expandedconfiguration with the assistance of another component, such as aballoon disposed within an interior of the first expandable member 22.

As stated above, the second expandable member 24 is at least partiallydisposed within an interior volume defined by the first expandablemember 22. The second expandable member 24 has a collapsed configurationand an expanded configuration. The second expandable member 24 can beformed at least in part, for example, from an expandable flexiblematerial. For example, the second expandable member 24 can include aballoon. In some embodiments, the second expandable member 24 canalternatively be formed with a shape-memory material, such as nitinol,and include, for example, multiple expandable ribs similar to the armsdescribed above for the first expandable member 22. For example, thesecond expandable member 24 can be formed with a tubular member havingslits cut along an outer wall and have a whisk shape similar to thefirst expandable member 22.

The medical device 20 can also include an actuator 26 that can be usedto actuate the first expandable member 22 and the second expandablemember 24 between their respective collapsed configurations and expandedconfigurations. In some embodiments, for example, as stated above, thefirst expandable member 22 can be disposed within a lumen of the sheath30, and the second expandable member 24 can be disposed within aninterior region of the first expandable member 22. The sheath 30 can bemoved or actuated by the actuator 26 between a first position and asecond position. When the sheath 30 is in the first position, the firstexpandable member 22 and the second expandable member 24 are constrainedwithin the lumen of the sheath 30 in their collapsed configurations.When the sheath 30 is moved to its second position, the first expandablemember 22 and the second expandable member 24 are each positionedoutside of the lumen of the sheath 30 such that the first expandablemember 22 and the second expandable member 24 are moved to theirrespective expanded configurations. The actuator 26 can include a handle(not shown in FIG. 1) that can be actuated by a user to move the sheathbetween its first position and its second position.

In some embodiments, the actuator 26 can include an optional reservoir28 that defines an interior region that can receive and contain a fluidtherein. The reservoir 28 can be coupled to and in fluid communicationwith the second expandable member 24. Thus, fluid can be received andcontained within a closed fluid system defined at least in part by thesecond expandable member 24 and the reservoir 28. For example, thereservoir 28 can be in fluid communication with the second expandablemember 24 with, for example, a shaft, hose or other member (not shown inFIG. 1). In such an embodiment, a volume of the fluid contained withinthe closed fluid system can be moved out of the reservoir 28 while avolume of fluid will be moved into the second expandable member 24simultaneously with actuating the movement of the sheath 30 into itssecond position. When the sheath 30 is moved to its second position, thefirst expandable member 22 is released and biased into its expandedconfiguration. The second expandable member 24 will receive a volume offluid from within the closed fluid system, causing the second expandablemember 24 to move to its expanded configuration. In some embodiments,the volume of fluid within the second expandable member 24 when in theexpanded configuration is such that the second expandable member 24 inthe expanded configuration has a slightly greater interior volume thanan interior volume of the first expandable member 22.

In use, the medical device 20 can be percutaneously inserted into abiological body or tissue of a patient, such as a vertebral body, withthe first expandable member 22 and the second expandable member 24 intheir collapsed configurations. In some embodiments, the medical device20 is inserted through a separate cannula used to gain access to atissue site. The medical device 20 can be actuated, for example using ahandle, to move the first expandable member 22 and the second expandablemember 24 to their expanded configurations. With the first expandablemember 22 and the second expandable member 24 in their expandedconfigurations and disposed within a tissue, the medical device 20 canbe rotated such that a cutting portion on the first expandable member 22and/or the second expandable member 24 scrapes, or otherwise cutstissue, such as cancellous bone, at the tissue site. The secondexpandable member 24 can be used as a block to help prevent at least aportion of the scraped or disrupted tissue from entering into theinterior region of the first expandable member 22, as will be describedin more detail below. Blocking at least a portion of the disruptedtissue from being disposed within the interior region of the firstexpandable member 122 can assist in the collapsing and removal of thefirst expandable member 122. The first expandable member 22 and thesecond expandable member 24 can then be actuated or moved to theircollapsed configurations, to allow the medical device 20 to be removedfrom the tissue.

In some embodiments, a medical device 20 includes only a singleexpandable member. In such an embodiment, the expandable member can bemoved between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configurationusing a sheath as described above, or with the use of a pushrod or apullrod. In some embodiments, as sheath is used in conjunction with apushrod or a pullrod. In some embodiments, a medical device 20 includesan elongate member (not shown in FIG. 1). The elongate member can beused to clear tissue fragments (e.g., bone fragments) out of an interiorregion defined by the expandable member. The elongate member can also beconfigured to introduce fluid into the interior region and/or providesuction to remove tissue fragments from within the interior region ofthe expandable member.

Having described above various general examples, several examples ofspecific embodiments are now described. These embodiments are onlyexamples, and many other configurations of a medical device 20 arecontemplated.

FIGS. 2-11 illustrate a medical device according to an embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 2, a medical device 120 includes a firstelongate body 122 disposed within a lumen 136 of a sheath 130, and asecond elongate body 124 disposed at least partially within a lumen 138of the first elongate body 122. The second elongate body 124 alsodefines a lumen 146 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9). FIG. 2 and 3 are each aside view of a portion of the medical device 120 showing the sheath 130in cross-section and the first elongate body 122 in partialcross-section. The first elongate body 122 has a collapsedconfiguration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and an expanded configurationas shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The second elongate body 124 has a collapsedconfiguration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 and an expanded configurationas shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. In this embodiment, the first elongate body122 has an expandable member disposed at a distal end portion 132 thatincludes multiple arms 140 that define openings 148 therebetween. Thefirst elongate body 122 also includes cutting portions 154 disposed onthe arms 140 of the first elongate body 122. The second elongate body124 is a flexible member that has an expandable member, such as aflexible membrane at a distal end portion 134. For example, the flexiblemembrane can be a balloon. The distal end portion 134 is at leastpartially disposed within the distal end portion 132 of the firstelongate body 122.

The first elongate body 122 defines an interior region or volume 142that is larger when the first elongate body 122 is in the expandedconfiguration (FIGS. 3, 5 and 9) than when it is in the collapsedconfiguration (FIGS. 2, 4 and 8). The first elongate body 122 can beformed, for example, from a tubular member that has slits cut (e.g.,laser cut) in a wall of the distal end portion 132 to form the arms 140.The first elongate body 122 is also formed with a shape memory material,such as nitinol, such that the distal end portion 132 is biased to theexpanded configuration.

The distal end portion 134 of the second elongate body 124 also definesan interior region 144, as best shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 9, that is larger when the second elongate body 124 is in theexpanded configuration than when in the collapsed configuration. Asstated above, in this embodiment, the distal end portion 134 of thesecond elongate body 124 is a flexible member, such as a balloon. Insome embodiments, the second elongate body 124 is monolithically formed.In alternative embodiments, different portions of the second elongatebody 124 are formed with different materials. For example, in someembodiments, the second elongate body 124 is formed entirely with aflexible material. In another alternative embodiment, the distal endportion 134 is formed with a flexible material and the remaining portionof the second elongate body 124 is formed with a non-flexible material.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 9 and 10, the distal end portion 134 of thesecond elongate body 124 is disposed within the distal end portion 132of the first elongate body 122. In some embodiments, the distal endportion 134 of the second elongate body 124 can be formed such that thesecond elongate body 124 expands to a slightly larger size than theinterior region 142 of the first elongate body 122 and the distal endportion 134 of the second elongate body 124 expands partially into theopenings 148 defined by the arms 140.

The medical device 120 also includes an actuator 126 as shown in FIGS.10 and 11. The actuator 126 includes a handle 150 that can be actuatedby a user and a housing 152. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the medical device 120with a portion of the housing 152 removed so that a portion of aninterior of the medical device 120 can be viewed. FIG. 10 illustratesthe medical device 120 in a collapsed configuration and FIG. 11illustrates the medical device 120 in an expanded configuration. Thehandle 150 is operatively coupled to the sheath 130 and also to areservoir 128 and a slide member 168. The reservoir 128 defines aninterior region 129. The reservoir 128 can receive and contain a fluidwithin the interior region 129, and is in fluid communication with thesecond elongate body 124 through a shaft 156 and through the lumen 146of the second elongate body 124. In some embodiments, the shaft 156 isformed integrally with the second elongate body 124. In someembodiments, the shaft is disposed at least partially outside of thehousing 150. Thus, the second elongate body 124, the reservoir 128, andthe shaft 156 define a closed fluid system as will be described in moredetail below. A plunger 158, such as a medical syringe plunger, isdisposed within the reservoir 128. The plunger 158 and the slide member168 are coupled to a spring (not shown), such as a compression spring,disposed within a compartment 160. The plunger 158 is also coupled tothe handle 150 via a pivot arm 162. The spring biases the handle 150into an open position as shown in FIG. 11.

To move the medical device 120 from the expanded configuration to thecollapsed configuration, the user grips the handle 150 of the actuator126 such that the handle 150 is moved toward the housing 152 as shown inFIG. 10. This action will move the sheath 130 distally to a firstposition in which a distal end 164 of the sheath 130 is positionedsubstantially over the distal end portion 132 of the first elongate body122 (e.g., the distal end portion 132 is disposed at least partiallywithin the lumen 136 of the sheath 130). This action will collapse thedistal end portion 132 of the first elongate body 122. Simultaneously,the plunger 128 will be moved toward the spring compartment 160 and atleast partially compress the spring. A volume of fluid in the distal endportion 134 of the second elongate body 124 will be drawn out of thedistal end portion 134 and a volume of fluid will be drawn into thereservoir 128. In other words, a portion of the fluid within the closedfluid system will be caused to move to the reservoir 128. The fluidmovement out of the distal end portion 134 allows the distal end portion132 of the first elongate body 122 to collapse over the distal endportion 134 of the second elongate body 124. Thus, in the collapsedconfiguration, a volume of fluid within the distal end portion 134 ofthe second elongate body 124 is less than a volume of fluid in thedistal end portion 134 when the second elongate body 124 is in theexpanded configuration. A volume of fluid within the reservoir 128 whenthe distal end portion 134 of the second elongate body 124 is in thecollapsed configuration is greater than a volume of fluid in thereservoir 128 when the distal end portion 134 of the second elongatebody 124 is in the expanded configuration.

In the collapsed configuration, the medical device 120 can be insertedinto a tissue of a patient, such as a vertebral body. For example, themedical device 120 can be inserted through an access cannula (not shown)while the user holds the handle 150 against the housing 152 as shown inFIG. 10. While disposed within the tissue, the user can release thehandle 150, which will allow the spring to bias the handle 150 back tothe open position, as shown in FIG. 11. This action will move the distalend 164 of the sheath 130 proximally such that the first elongate body122 is disposed outside the lumen 136 of the sheath 130 as shown in FIG.11. When the distal end portion 132 of the first elongate body 122 is nolonger constrained by the sheath 130, the distal end portion 132 will beautomatically biased to the expanded configuration. Simultaneously, theplunger 128 will move away from the spring compartment 160 (e.g., due tothe biasing force of the spring) and force fluid out of the reservoir128 and into the shaft 156. With the distal end portion 132 of the firstelongate body 122 in the expanded configuration, the distal end portion134 of the second elongate body 124 can receive a volume of fluid thathas been pushed out of the reservoir 128 and move to its expandedconfiguration.

In the expanded configuration, the medical device 120 can be rotated orotherwise moved within the tissue such that the cutting portions 154disposed at the distal end portion 132 of the first elongate body 122scrape, tear, or otherwise disrupt tissue, such as cancellous bone,within the tissue. The distal end portion 134 of the second elongatebody 122 will block at least a portion of the scraped, tom or disruptedtissue from entering into the interior region 142 of the first elongatebody 122.

To move the medical device 120 back to the collapsed configuration, theuser again grips the handle 150, such that the handle 150 is movedcloser to the housing 152, as shown in FIG. 10. This will again move themedical device 120 to the collapsed configuration as described above.The user can then remove the medical device 120 from the tissue, forexample, through an access cannula.

Although the first elongate body 122 has been described as being formedwith a shape-memory material having a preset expanded configuration, inalternative embodiments, the first elongate body 122 can be formed withother materials that do not have shape-memory characteristics. In suchan embodiment, the first elongate body 122 can be moved to its expandedconfiguration by actuation of the second elongate body 124 to itsexpanded configuration. For example, the second elongate body 124 can bemoved to an expanded configuration as fluid is received within theinterior region of the second elongate body 124 as described above. Asthis occurs, the expansion of the second elongate body 124 will alsocause the first elongate body 122 to expand. To collapse the firstelongate body 122, the handle 150 can be gripped by the user asdescribed above, which will move the sheath 130 distally over the distalend portion 132 of the first elongate body 122 and collapse the distalend portion 132 of the first elongate body 122. In one variation, thefirst elongate body 122 can be formed with a shape-memory material andbiased into a collapsed configuration. In this embodiment, when thesecond elongate body 124 is collapsed, the first elongate body 122 willbe biased back to its collapsed configuration without the use of asheath.

Although the actuation of the medical device 120 has been described asgripping the handle 150 to move the medical device 120 to the collapsedconfiguration, and releasing the handle 150 to move the medical device120 to the expanded configuration, in alternative embodiments, thehandle 150 can be actuated in an opposite manner. For example, a medicaldevice can be configured such that the user can grip the handle againstthe housing to move the medical device to the expanded configuration andrelease the handle to move the medical device to the collapsedconfiguration. In other alternative embodiments, the handle can beactuated with linear movement. For example, the handle can extendparallel to an axis defined by the first elongate body and/or the secondelongate body such that rather than gripping the handle against thehousing to actuate the medical device, the user actuates the handle withlinear motion similar to movement of a syringe.

In yet another embodiment, the medical device 120 can be actuated usinga reservoir that is in fluid communication with the second elongate bodythrough an elongate shaft. In such an embodiment, the reservoir andsecond elongate body can define a closed fluid system as described abovewhere a volume of fluid is moved into the distal end portion of thesecond elongate body to move the distal end portion to an expandedconfiguration and drawn out of the distal end portion to move the distalend portion to a collapsed configuration. In this embodiment, to actuatethe second elongate body from a collapsed configuration to an expandedconfiguration, a user can squeeze the reservoir such that a volume offluid is pushed out of the reservoir and a volume of fluid is moved intothe distal end portion of the second expandable member.

In such an embodiment, the distal end portion of the first elongate bodycan be formed with a shape-memory material and biased into a collapsedconfiguration. When the distal end portion of the second elongate bodyis moved to its expanded configuration, the first elongate body willalso be moved to its expanded configuration by the inflation of thesecond expandable member. When the reservoir is released, a volume offluid will be drawn back into the reservoir and a volume of fluid willbe drawn out the distal end portion of the second elongate body,collapsing the distal end portion of the second elongate body. With thedistal end portion of the second elongate body collapsed, the firstelongate body will be biased back to its collapsed configuration.

FIGS. 12-15 illustrate a medical device according to another embodiment.A medical device 220 includes a first elongate body 222 disposed withina lumen 236 of a sheath 230, and a second elongate body 224 disposed atleast partially within a lumen 238 of the first elongate body 222. Thesecond elongate body 224 also defines a lumen 246 (shown in FIG. 13).FIGS. 12 and 13 are side views of a portion of the medical device 220showing the sheath 230 in cross-section and the first elongate body 222in partial cross-section. The first elongate body 222 has a collapsedconfiguration (not shown) and an expanded configuration as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. The second elongate body 224 has a collapsedconfiguration (not shown) and an expanded configuration as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13.

In this embodiment, the first elongate body 222 has a distal end portion232 that includes multiple arms 240 that define openings 248therebetween. The first elongate body 222 also includes cutting portions254 disposed on the arms 240 of the first elongate body 222. The secondelongate body 224 has a distal end portion 234 that defines multipleribs 266 and is at least partially disposed within the distal endportion 232 of the first elongate body 222 such that the ribs 266 are inan offset relationship with the arms 240. The second elongate body 224also includes cutting portions 270 disposed on the ribs 266. Inalternative embodiments, the second elongate body 224 does not includecutting portions.

As with the previous embodiment, the first elongate body 222 defines aninterior region or volume (not shown) that is larger when the firstelongate body 222 is in the expanded configuration than when it is inthe collapsed configuration. The first elongate body 222 can be formedin the same manner as described in the previous embodiment, for example,from a tubular member that has slits cut in the distal end portion 232to form the arms 240. The first elongate body 222 is also formed with ashape memory material, such as nitinol, such that the distal end portion232 is biased to assume the expanded configuration.

The distal end portion 234 of the second elongate body 224 also definesan interior region (not shown) that is larger when the second elongatebody 224 is in the expanded configuration than when in the collapsedconfiguration. In this embodiment, the second elongate body 224 isformed with a shape-memory material such that the distal end portion 234has a preset expanded configuration. For example, the distal end portion234 of the second elongate body 224 can be formed with slits cut alongan outer wall to define the ribs 266. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, thedistal end portion 234 of the second elongate body 224 is disposedwithin the distal end portion 232 of the first elongate body 222 suchthat the ribs 266 are disposed substantially within the openings 248defined by the arms 240.

The medical device 220 also includes an actuator 226 as shown in FIGS.14 and 15. The actuator 226 includes a handle 250 that can be actuatedby a user and a housing 252. FIGS. 14 and 15 show the medical device 220with a portion of the housing 252 removed so that a portion of aninterior of the medical device 220 can be viewed. FIG. 14 illustratesthe medical device 220 in a collapsed configuration; FIG. 15 illustratesthe medical device 220 in an expanded configuration. In this embodiment,the handle 250 is operatively coupled to the sheath 230 as described inthe previous embodiment, and also to a slide member 268 via the pivotarm 262. The slide member 268 is coupled to a spring (not shown), suchas a compression spring, that is disposed within a compartment 260. Aswith the previous embodiment, the spring biases the handle 250 to anopen position as shown in FIG. 15.

To move the medical device 220 from the expanded configuration to thecollapsed configuration, the user grips the handle 250 such that thehandle 250 is moved toward the housing 252 as shown in FIG. 14. Thisaction will move the sheath 230 distally to a first position in which adistal end 264 of the sheath 230 is positioned substantially over thedistal end portion 232 of the first elongate body 222. Thus, the distalend portion 232 of the first elongate body 222 and the distal endportion 234 of the second elongate body 224 will be constrained in theirrespective collapsed configurations within the lumen 236 of the sheath230.

In the collapsed configuration, the medical device 220 can be insertedinto a tissue of a patient, such as a vertebral body. For example, themedical device 220 can be inserted through an access cannula. Whiledisposed within the tissue, the user can release the handle 250 to movethe medical device 220 to the expanded configuration. With the handle250 released, the spring will bias the handle 250 to the open positionas shown in FIG. 15. This action will move the distal end 264 of thesheath 230 proximally such that the distal end portion 232 of the firstelongate body 222 (and the distal end portion 234 of the second elongatebody 224 disposed within the first elongate body 222) is disposedoutside the lumen 236 of the sheath 230, as shown in FIG. 15. When thedistal end portion 232 of the first elongate body 222, and the distalend portion 234 of the second elongate body 224 are no longerconstrained by the sheath 230, the distal end portion 232 and the distalend portion 234 will be automatically biased to their respectiveexpanded configurations.

In the expanded configuration, the medical device 220 can be rotated orotherwise moved within the tissue such that the cutting portions 254 ofthe first elongate body 222 and the cutting portions 270 of the secondelongate body 224 scrape, tear, or otherwise disrupt tissue, such ascancellous bone, within the tissue. Because the ribs 266 of the distalend portion 234 of the second elongate body 222 are disposed in anoffset relationship with the arms 240 (i.e., disposed within theopenings 248) the ribs 266 will block at least a portion of the torn ordisrupted tissue from entering into the interior region of the firstelongate body 222.

To move the medical device 220 back to the collapsed configuration, theuser again grips the handle 250, such that the handle 250 is movedcloser to the housing 252, as shown in FIG. 14. This will again move themedical device 220 to the collapsed configuration as described above.The user can then remove the medical device 220 from the tissue, forexample, through an access cannula.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate yet another embodiment of a medical device. Amedical device 320 is constructed similar to the medical device 120. Forexample, the medical device 320 includes a sheath 330, a first elongatebody 322 disposed within a lumen (not shown) of the sheath 330, and asecond elongate body 324 disposed within a lumen (not shown) of thefirst elongate body 322. In this embodiment, the first elongate body 322includes a distal end portion 332 having multiple arms 340 and cuttingportions 354 disposed on the arms 340. In this embodiment, rather thanbeing formed from a tubular member, the arms 340 can be formed as one ormore separate components, for example, with a flexible shape-memorymaterial, such as nitinol, and coupled to the first elongate body 322.

The second elongate body 324 includes a flexible membrane at a distalend portion 334 that is disposed within the distal end portion 332 ofthe first elongate body 322. The second elongate body 324 also defines alumen 346 as shown in FIG. 17. The lumen 346 can be used to communicatefluid between the distal end portion 334 of the second elongate body 324and a reservoir (not shown) as previously described.

In this embodiment, the distal end portion 332 is biased into anexpanded configuration and includes four arms 340 that each include ahinge or break point 372. The break points 372 fold when the firstelongate body 324 is moved from a collapsed configuration to theexpanded configuration. The medical device 320 can be moved between anexpanded configuration and a collapsed configuration in a similar manneras described above for medical device 120.

In another alternative embodiment, a medical device can include apull-rod to actuate the expansion of a first elongate body. In such anembodiment, a sheath would not be necessary. A pull-rod can beoperatively coupled to the actuator such that the first elongate bodycan be actuated simultaneously with the actuation of the second elongatebody. For example, in an embodiment with a second elongate body having aflexible member (e.g. balloon) disposed within a first elongate bodyhaving a whisk-type configuration, the flexible member can be configuredwith a passageway to receive the pull-rod therethrough. The pull-rod canbe pulled proximally to move the first elongate body to the expandedconfiguration simultaneously with the inflation of fluid within theflexible member of the first elongate body. In an embodiment with asecond elongate body having a whisk-type configuration instead of aballoon, the pull-rod can be configured to actuate simultaneously boththe first elongate body and the second elongate body.

In yet another embodiment, a medical device can include a secondelongate body having a flexible membrane disposed within a whisk-typefirst elongate body. In this embodiment, the arms of the first elongatebody are fixed to the flexible membrane. In such an embodiment, thesheath would not be necessary to actuate the first elongate body. Forexample, as the flexible membrane is inflated with fluid and moved toits expanded configuration as described above, the first elongate bodywould also be moved to its expanded configuration. To move the device tothe collapsed configuration, the fluid can be withdrawn from theflexible membrane as described previously. As the fluid is evacuatedfrom the flexible membrane, the first elongate body will also be drawnto its collapse d configuration.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate an embodiment of a medical device using apushrod to actuate the medical device between a collapsed configurationand an expanded configuration. In this embodiment, a medical device 420includes an elongate body 422 movable between a collapsed configurationas shown in FIG. 19, and an expanded configuration as shown in FIG. 18.The elongate body 422 defines a lumen (not shown) and has a distal endportion 432 that includes multiple arms 440 that define openings 448therebetween. An edge of the arms 440 define cutting portions 454. Themedical device 420 also includes a rod 425 that is at least partiallydisposed within the lumen of the elongate body 422. A distal end of therod 425 is coupled to a distal end 427 of the elongate body 422.

As with the previous embodiment, the elongate body 422 can be formedwith a shape-memory material, such as nitinol, and configured such thatthe distal end portion 432 of the elongate body 422 is biased into theexpanded configuration as shown in FIG. 18. The elongate body 422 can beformed in the same manner as described in the previous embodiment, forexample, from a tubular member that has slits or windows cut in thedistal end portion 432 to form the arms 440. When the elongate body 422is in the expanded configuration, the arms 440 define an interior regionor volume 449 that is larger than when the elongate body 422 is in thecollapsed configuration.

The rod 425 is coupled at a proximal end 431 to an actuator 426. Theactuator 426 includes a handle 450 and a housing 452. FIG. 18 shows themedical device 420 with a portion of the housing 452 removed so that aportion of an interior of the medical device 420 can be viewed. In thisembodiment, the handle 450 is operatively coupled to the rod 425, whichis used to move the elongate body 422 between its expanded and collapsedconfigurations. The handle 450 is coupled to a slide member 468 via apivot arm 462. The slide member 468 is also coupled to a spring (notshown), such as a compression spring, that is disposed within acompartment 460. The slide member 468 can move or translateback-and-forth in the direction of arrows A-A as the spring movesbetween a biased position and a compressed position. As with theprevious embodiment, the spring biases the handle 450 to an openposition as shown in FIG. 18 when the spring is in its biased position.When the handle 450 is in the open position, the rod 425 will be movedproximally to a position as shown in FIG. 18. This will at leastpartially collapse the distal end portion 432 (e.g., the arms 440) ofthe elongate body 422.

To move the elongate body 422 from the expanded configuration to thecollapsed configuration, the user grips the handle 450 such that thehandle 450 is moved toward the housing 452, as shown in FIG. 19. Thisaction will compress the spring, and move the rod 425 distally, which inturn will extend or collapse the distal end portion 432 (e.g., arms 440)of the elongate body 422.

In the collapsed configuration, the medical device 420 can be insertedinto a tissue of a patient, such as a vertebral body. For example, auser can grip the handle 450, as described above, and insert the medicaldevice 420 through an access cannula and to a desired location within atissue. While disposed within the tissue, the user can release thehandle 450 to move the medical device 420 to the expanded configuration.With the handle 450 released, the spring will bias the handle 450 to theopen position as shown in FIG. 18 and move the rod 425 proximally suchthat the distal end portion 432 of the elongate body 422 is moved to theexpanded configuration. In the expanded configuration, the medicaldevice 420 can be rotated or otherwise moved within the tissue such thatthe cutting portions 454 of the arms 440 scrape, tear, or otherwisedisrupt tissue, such as cancellous bone, within the tissue.

To move the medical device 420 back to the collapsed configuration, theuser again grips the handle 450, such that the handle 450 is movedcloser to the housing 452, as shown in FIG. 19. This will again move themedical device 420 to the collapsed configuration as described above.The user can then remove the medical device 420 from the tissue, forexample, through an access cannula.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate an embodiment of a medical device having apull-rod that can be used to actuate the medical device between acollapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In thisembodiment, a handle of the medical device is gripped to move themedical device to an expanded configuration and released to move themedical device to a collapsed configuration. A medical device 520includes an elongate body 522 movable between a collapsed configurationas shown in FIG. 20, and an expanded configuration as shown in FIG. 21.The elongate body 522 defines a lumen (not shown) and has a distal endportion 532 that includes multiple arms 540 that define openings 548therebetween. An edge of the arms 540 define cutting portions 554. Themedical device 520 also includes a rod 525 that is at least partiallydisposed within the lumen of the elongate body 522. A distal end (notshown) of the rod 525 is coupled to a distal end 527 of the elongatebody 522 and a proximal end 531 of the rod 525 is coupled to an actuator526.

As with the previous embodiment, the elongate body 522 can be formedwith a shape-memory material, such as nitinol. In this embodiment, theelongate body 532 can be configured such that the distal end portion 532of the elongate body 522 is biased into the collapsed configuration asshown in FIG. 20. The elongate body 522 can be formed in the same manneras described in the previous embodiment, for example, from a tubularmember that has slits or windows cut in the distal end portion 532 toform the arms 540. When the elongate body 520 is in the expandedconfiguration, the arms 540 define an interior region or volume 549 thatis larger than when the elongate body 522 is in the collapsedconfiguration.

The actuator 526 includes a handle 550 and a housing 552. FIG. 20 showsthe medical device 520 with a portion of the housing 552 removed so thata portion of an interior of the medical device 520 can be viewed. Inthis embodiment, the handle 550 is operatively coupled to the rod 525,which is used to move the elongate body 522 between its expanded andcollapsed configurations. The handle 550 is coupled to a slide member568 via a pivot arm 562. The slide member 568 is also coupled to aspring (not shown), such as a compression spring, that is disposedwithin a compartment 560. The slide member 568 can move or translateback-and-forth as in the previous embodiment, as the spring movesbetween a biased position and a compressed position. The spring in itsbiased position, biases the handle 550 to an open position as shown inFIG. 20, and the rod 525 will be moved distally to a position as shownin FIG. 20. In this position, the elongate body 522 will be in itscollapsed configuration.

To move the elongate body 522 from the collapsed configuration to theexpanded configuration, the user grips the handle 550 such that thehandle 550 is moved toward the housing 552, as shown in FIG. 21. Thisaction will compress the spring, and move the rod 525 proximally, whichin turn will cause the distal end portion 532 (e.g., arms 540) of theelongate body 522 to move to its expanded configuration.

As with the previous embodiments, when in the collapsed configuration,the medical device 520 can be inserted into a tissue of a patient, suchas a vertebral body. For example, the medical device 520 can be insertedthrough an access cannula and to a desired location within a tissue.While disposed within the tissue, the user can grip the handle 550 tomove the medical device 520 to the expanded configuration. In theexpanded configuration, the medical device 520 can be rotated orotherwise moved within the tissue such that the cutting portions 554 ofthe arms 540 scrape, tear, or otherwise disrupt tissue, such ascancellous bone, within the tissue. In this embodiment, to move themedical device 520 back to the collapsed configuration, the userreleases the handle 550.

FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment of a medical device similar to themedical device 220 (see FIGS. 14 and 15), except in this embodiment, themedical device includes only a single elongate body that is movablebetween a collapsed and expanded configuration by actuation of a sheath.A medical device 620 includes an elongate body 622 disposed within alumen (not shown) of a sheath 630. The elongate body 622 is movablebetween a collapsed configuration (not shown) and an expandedconfiguration as shown in FIG. 22.

In this embodiment, the elongate body 622 has a distal end portion 632that includes multiple arms 640 that define openings 648 therebetween.The arms 640 define cutting portions 654 disposed on an edge of the arms640. As with the previous embodiments, the elongate body 622 defines aninterior region or volume 649 that is larger when the elongate body 622is in the expanded configuration than when it is in the collapsedconfiguration. The elongate body 622 can be formed in the same manner asdescribed in the previous embodiment, for example, from a tubular memberthat has slits cut in the distal end portion 632 to form the arms 640.The elongate body 622 is also formed with a shape memory material, suchas nitinol, such that the distal end portion 632 can be biased to assumethe expanded configuration.

The medical device 620 also includes an actuator 626 that includes ahandle 650 that can be actuated by a user and a housing 652. In thisembodiment, the handle 650 is operatively coupled to the sheath 630 andto a slide member 668 via the pivot arm 662. The slide member 668 iscoupled to a spring (not shown), that biases the handle 650 to an openposition as shown in FIG. 22. With the handle 650 is moved to its openposition, the sheath 630 of the medical device 620 will be movedproximally such that a distal end 664 of the sheath 630 uncovers atleast a portion of the distal end portion 632 to be moved to theexpanded configuration.

To move the medical device 620 from the expanded configuration to thecollapsed configuration, the user grips the handle 650 such that thehandle 650 is moved toward the housing 652. This action will move thesheath 630 distally to a position (not shown) in which the distal end664 of the sheath 630 is positioned substantially over the distal endportion 632 of the first elongate body 622. Thus, the distal end portion632 of the elongate body 622 will be constrained in its collapsedconfiguration within the lumen of the sheath 630.

As with the previous embodiments, when in the collapsed configuration,the medical device 620 can be inserted (e.g., through an access cannula)and into a tissue of a patient. While disposed within the tissue, theuser can release the handle 650 to move the medical device 620 to theexpanded configuration. This action will move the distal end 664 of thesheath 630 proximally such that the distal end portion 632 of theelongate body 622 is disposed outside the lumen of the sheath 630, andautomatically biased to its expanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 22.In the expanded configuration, the medical device 620 can be rotated orotherwise moved within the tissue such that the cutting portions 654 ofthe elongate body 622 scrape, tear, or otherwise disrupt tissue, such ascancellous bone, within the tissue. The medical device 620 can then bemoved back to the collapsed configuration to remove the medical device620 from the tissue.

FIGS. 23 and 24 each illustrate a distal end portion of an embodiment ofa medical device that can be used to disrupt tissue as described above,and can also be used to reduce a fracture of a vertebra. A medicaldevice 720 includes both a pushrod and a sheath for actuation of themedical device 720 between a collapsed configuration and an expandedconfiguration. When deployed within a tissue in an expandedconfiguration, the medical device 720 is capable of applying force tosurrounding tissue, including bone such that at least a portion of thetissue is distracted.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, the medical device 720 includes anelongate body 722, a sheath 730 and a rod 725. As with the medicaldevice 620, the elongate body 722 is movably disposed within a lumen(not shown) of the sheath 730. As with the medical devices 420 and 520,the rod 725 is disposed within a lumen (not shown) of the elongate body722.

The elongate body 722 can be formed with a shape memory material, suchas nitinol, in the same manner as described for previous embodiments.The elongate body 722 includes a distal end portion 732 that includesarms 740 that can be formed by cutting slots or windows into a wall ofthe elongate body 722. The arms 740 define openings 748 and an interiorregion 749. The arms 740 also include a cutting portion 754 disposed,for example, on an edge of the arms 740.

A distal end (not shown) of the rod 725 is coupled to a distal end 727of the elongate body 722, and a proximal end (not shown) of the rod 725is coupled to an actuator (not shown). The actuator can be for example,an actuator as described above for previous embodiments. The sheath 730is also coupled at a proximal end (not shown) to the actuator. Theactuator can be used to move both the rod 725 and the sheath 730 in thesame manner as described for previous embodiments to move the medicaldevice 720 between a collapsed configuration and an expandedconfiguration.

In this embodiment, the distal end portion 732 of the elongate body 722is pre-set (or biased) into the expanded configuration. In use, toinsert the medical device 720 into a tissue, a handle (not shown) of theactuator can be gripped such that the sheath 730 and the rod 725 areboth moved or translated distally (e.g., substantially simultaneously).As shown in FIG. 24, a distal end 764 of the sheath 730 will move to aposition covering at least a portion of the distal end portion 732 ofthe elongate body 722 causing the distal end portion 732 to at leastpartially collapse. Simultaneously, as the rod 725 is moved distally,the rod 725 will cause the distal end portion 732 of the elongate body722 to straighten to the collapsed configuration. Once at the desiredlocation at a tissue site, the handle of the actuator can be released,which will cause the rod 725 and sheath 730 to move proximally. Thedistal end portion 732 of the elongate body 722 will then beunconstrained by the sheath 730 and allowed to assume its biasedexpanded configuration, as shown in FIG. 23. At the same time, the rod725 will force the distal end portion 732 of the elongate body 722 tothe expanded configuration. Thus, the rod 725 will increase the rate atwhich, and the force with which the distal end portion 732 of theelongate body 722 will move to the expanded configuration.

The use of both the pushrod 725 and sheath 730 to actuate the movementof the elongate body 722 from the collapsed configuration to theexpanded configuration, allows the medical device 720 to apply a greaterforce to the surrounding tissue during actuation. This can bebeneficial, for example, when used in hard bone such as vertebral endplates.

FIGS. 25-27 each illustrate a distal end portion of further embodimentsof a medical device having both a rod and a sheath for actuation of themedical device between an expanded configuration and a collapsedconfiguration. Each of the medical devices described with reference toFIGS. 25-27 can include an actuator as described above to actuate boththe rod and the sheath and to move the elongate body between an expandedconfiguration and a collapsed configuration. Each of the medical devicesof FIGS. 25-27 can be used to disrupt tissue, and can also be used as afracture reduction device as described above.

As shown in FIG. 25 a medical device 820 includes an elongate body 822,a sheath 830 and a rod 825. The elongate body 822 is disposed within alumen (not shown) of the sheath 830. The rod 725 is disposed within alumen (not shown ) of the elongate body 822. The elongate body 822 canbe formed with a shape memory material, such as nitinol, in the samemanner as described for previous embodiments, such that it is preset toassume an expanded configuration as shown in FIG. 25. The elongate body822 includes a distal end portion 832 that includes arms 840 that can beformed by cutting slots or windows into a wall of the elongate body 822.The arms 840 define openings 848 and an interior region 849. The arms840 also include a cutting portion 854 disposed, for example, on an edgeof the arms 840.

A distal end (not shown) of the rod 825 is coupled to a distal end 827of the elongate body 822, and a proximal end (not shown) of the rod 825is coupled to an actuator (not shown). In this embodiment, the distalend 827 is tapered such that it can be used to penetrate tissue. In suchan embodiment, a separate tool to penetrate tissue is unnecessary. Theactuator can be for example, an actuator as described above for previousembodiments. The sheath 830 is also coupled at a proximal end (notshown) to the actuator. The actuator can be used to move both the rod825 and the sheath 830 in the same manner as described for the previousembodiments, to move the medical device 820 between a collapsedconfiguration and an expanded configuration.

In an alternative embodiment, the rod can include an interior lumen withan opening in communication with the lumen at both a distal end and aproximal end of the rod. In such an embodiment, the distal end of theelongate body can define an opening in communication with the opening inthe rod. Fluid can be introduced through the lumen of the rod and into atissue via the distal openings of the rod and the elongate body. Thelumen of the rod, and the distal openings in both the rod and theelongate body can also be used for suction of material out of thetissue. In some embodiments, the distal end of the elongate body canhave multiple openings. For example, a syringe can be coupled to aproximal end of the rod and can be used to introduce a saline solutionand/or to provide suction to remove, for example, tissue fragments fromwithin the interior region of the distal end portion (e.g., expandedportion) of the elongate body.

FIG. 26 illustrates a medical device 920 that includes a sheath 930, anelongate body 922 and a rod 925. The medical device 920 is constructedin the same manner as described above for the previous embodiment exceptin this embodiment, the rod 925 has a smaller diameter than theembodiments of a rod (e.g., 825, 725) described above. The smallerdiameter of rod 925, for example, provides additional space within alumen of the elongate body 922 for the insertion of other devices, orfor the addition of functions to the medical device 920. For example, asuction device and/or an irrigation device can be coupled to a proximalend of the elongate body 922 and provide for the introduction of fluidthrough the lumen of the elongate body and into a tissue, and/or removalof tissue (e.g., bone fragments, nucleus material), and/or fluid (e.g.,irrigation fluid) out of the tissue. In some embodiments, a separatedevice that provides suction and/or irrigation can be inserted throughthe lumen of the elongate body 922.

FIG. 27 illustrates a medical device 1020 that includes a sheath 1030,an elongate body 1022 and a rod 1025. The medical device 1020 isconstructed in the same manner as described above for the previousembodiments except in this embodiment, the rod 1025 defines a lumen (notshown) and at least one window 1031 in communication with the lumen. Thelumen of the rod 1025 can provide for the insertion of other devices, orfor the addition of functions to the medical device 1020. For example,an irrigation device can be coupled to a proximal end of the rod 1025and provide for the introduction of fluid through the lumen of theelongate body and into a tissue.

In some embodiments, a suction device can be coupled to a proximal endof the rod and provide suction force to removal tissue (e.g., bonefragments, nucleus material), and/or fluid (e.g., irrigation fluid) outof the tissue. For example, as the medical device 1020 is used to cut ordisrupt tissue, the cut or disrupted portions of tissue can be drawnthrough the window(s) 1031 and into the lumen of the rod 1025. In someembodiments, other tools, such as a rod with threaded distal portion canbe introduced through the lumen of the rod 1025 and used to removetrapped tissue fragments (e.g., bone fragments). For example, the rodcan be rotated such that tissue fragments are captured by the threadedportion of the rod through the window(s) 1031.

FIGS. 28-33 illustrate two embodiments of a medical device having anelongate member that can be used to clear bone or other tissue out fromwithin an interior region of the expandable portion of the medicaldevice. As shown in FIGS. 28-33, a medical device 1120 includes a sheath1130 coupled to an actuator 1126, and an elongate body 1122. As withprevious embodiments, the elongate body 1122 is at least partiallydisposed within a lumen (not shown) of the sheath 1130. The elongatebody 1122 includes a distal end portion 1132 having multiple arms 1140that define openings 1148 and an interior region 1149. The arms 1140 canbe formed in the same manner as described for previous embodiments. Theinterior region 1149 is in communication with a lumen (not shown)defined by the elongate body 1122 that extends to a proximal end of theelongate body 1122.

As with previous embodiments, the actuator 1126 includes a housing 1152,a handle 1150 and a pivot arm 1162. The actuator 1126 can be used in thesame manner as described previously to actuate or translate the sheath1130 proximally and distally, which in turn moves the distal end portion1132 of the elongate body 1122 between a collapsed configuration and anexpanded configuration.

In this embodiment, the medical device 1120 also includes an elongatemember 1174, as best shown in FIG. 29. The elongate member 1174 ismovably disposable within the lumen of the elongate body 1122 as shownin FIGS. 28 and 30. As shown in FIG. 28, the elongate member 1174 can beinserted through an opening 1176 in the housing 1152, and extend throughthe lumen of the elongate body 1122. A distal end portion 1178 of theelongate member 1174 can exit the lumen of the elongate body at alocation within the interior region 1149. The elongate member 1174 canbe used to push or move tissue fragments from within the interior region1149 and out through the openings 1148 defined by the arms 1140. Forexample, when the medical device 1120 is used to scrape or disrupttissue as described above for previous embodiments, tissue fragments canpossibly become disposed within the interior region 1149. The elongatemember 1174 can be moved distally to move at least a portion of thetissue fragments out of the interior region 1149 in some instances. Theelongate member 1174 can be moved proximally and distally or removed andinserted repeatedly, as desired, to tamp out tissue fragments inside theinterior region 1149. In some embodiments, the elongate member 1174 canbe actuated by an actuator such that it oscillates back and forth. Insome embodiments, the elongate member 1174 can be actuated such that itis moved distally as the distal end portion 1132 of the elongate body1122 is moved from the expanded configuration to the collapsedconfiguration.

The elongate member 1174 can include a handle 1173 that can be graspedby a user to assist in moving the elongate member 1174 proximally and/ordistally within the lumen of the elongate body 1122. The elongate member1174 can have a length such that a distal end 1171 of the elongatemember 1174 can extend to a distal end of the elongate body 1122, whilethe handle 1173 is disposed proximally of the housing 1152. Although thedistal end 1171 of the elongate member 1174 is shown substantially flator planar, in alternative embodiments, the distal end 1171 can berounded or curved. The distal end 1171 can also include a trocar, bevel,of other sharp tip to cut though tissue, such as bone, as it pushesfragments out of the interior region 1149.

In alternative embodiments, an elongate member can have a collapsedconfiguration and an expanded configuration. For example, a distal endportion of the elongate member can have expandable arms similar to thedistal end portion (e.g., 1132) of an elongate body (e.g., 1122). Insuch an embodiment, the elongate member can be moved from its collapsedconfiguration to its expanded configuration when the distal end portionof the elongate member is disposed within the interior region of theelongate body, and the expanded distal end portion of the elongatemember can displace tissue fragments out of the interior region of theelongate body. In such an embodiment, the elongate member can be movedbetween its collapsed and configurations with, for example, an actuator.The actuator can include a trigger to manually actuate the elongatemember. Alternatively, the actuator can be motorized such that it can beactuated automatically.

FIGS. 31-33 illustrate a medical device 1220 that is similar to themedical device 1120. The medical device 1220 includes a sheath 1230coupled to an actuator 1226, and an elongate body 1222. As with previousembodiments, the elongate body 1222 is at least partially disposedwithin a lumen (not shown) of the sheath 1230, and includes a distal endportion 1232 having multiple arms 1240. The arms 1240 define openings1248 and an interior region 1249. The arms 1240 can be formed in thesame manner as described for previous embodiments. The interior region1249 is in communication with a lumen (not shown) defined by theelongate body 1222, and that extends to a proximal end of the elongatebody 1222.

The actuator 1226 includes a housing 1252, a handle 1250 and a pivot arm1262. The actuator 1226 can be used in the same manner as describedpreviously to actuate or translate the sheath 1230 proximally anddistally, which in turn moves the distal end portion 1232 of theelongate body 1222 between a collapsed configuration and an expandedconfiguration.

The medical device 1220 also includes an elongate member 1274, as bestshown in FIG. 32. The elongate member 1274 is movably disposable withinthe lumen of the elongate body 1222. The elongate member 1274 isinserted through an opening (not shown) in the housing 1252, and extendsthrough the lumen of the elongate body 1222. In this embodiment, theelongate member 1274 defines an interior lumen (not shown) and multipleopenings 1275 at a distal end portion 1278. The distal end portion 1278of the elongate member 1274 can exit the lumen of the elongate body 1222within the interior region 1249 as shown in FIG. 33. The elongate member1274 can be used in the same manner as described above for elongatemember 1174 to push, displace, dislodge, or move tissue fragments fromwithin the interior region 1249 and out through the openings 1248defined by the arms 1240. In addition, a fluid, such as a salinesolution, can be introduced into the lumen of the elongate member 1274,through the openings 1275 and into the interior region 1249.

A proximal end 1277 of the elongate member 1274 includes a handle 1273that includes a fitting 1269. The fitting 1269 can be, for example, aluer fitting molded into the handle 1273. The fitting 1269 can be usedto couple a syringe to the elongate member 1274 that can be used tointroduce fluid (e.g., saline) to the elongate member 1274. In use,after the medical device 1220 is used to scrape or disrupt tissue, theelongate member 1274 can be used as described above to clear tissuefragments from the interior region 1249. Fluid can also be injectedthrough the elongate member 1274 and used to assist in clearing tissuefragments from within the interior region 1249 and out through theopenings 1248. A device configured to provide suction can alsooptionally be coupled to the fitting 1269 and used to suction tissuefragments out of the interior region 1249. In such an embodiment,depending on the type of tissue being disrupted, it may be desirable forthe openings 1275 to be larger in size than shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 toallow the tissue fragments to pass through.

FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate an embodiment of a medical device having adifferent type of actuator than previously described. A medical device1320 includes an elongate body 1322, a sheath 1330 and an actuator 1326.As shown in FIG. 35, the elongate body 1322 includes a distal endportion 1332 that has multiple arms 1340 that can move between acollapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The arms 1340define openings 1348 and an interior region 1449. The sheath 1330defines a lumen (not shown), through which the elongate body 1322 isdisposed.

The actuator 1326 includes a first member 1365 operatively coupled to asecond member 1367 via a pair of biasing mechanisms 1363. The biasingmechanisms 1363 can include, for example a spring (not shown) configuredto bias the actuator 1326 into a first configuration. In the firstconfiguration, the first member 1365 and the second member 1367 arebiased into a first position relative to each other, as shown in FIG.34. The sheath 1330 is coupled to the first member 1365 and/or thesecond member 1367, such that when the actuator 1326 is biased into thefirst configuration, the sheath 1330 is moved distally, and a distal endportion 1364 of the sheath 1364 is disposed over at least a portion ofthe distal end portion 1332 of the elongate body 1322. This actioncauses the arms 1340 of the distal end portion 1332 to collapsesufficiently to insert the medical device through, for example, anaccess cannula.

In use, the user can insert the medical device 1320 into a tissue sitewith the actuator 1326 in the first configuration, as shown in FIG. 34.The user can then squeeze the first member 1365 and the second member1367 together, which will move the actuator to a second configuration,as shown in FIG. 35. This action will draw the sheath 1330 proximally,such that the distal end portion 1332 of the elongate body 1322 is nolonger constrained within the sheath 1330 and can assume its expandedconfiguration. With the distal end portion 1332 of the elongate body1322 in the expanded configuration, the medical device 1320 can be usedto disrupt or scrape tissue as previously described. To remove themedical device 1320 from the tissue, the user discontinues squeezing thefirst member 1365 and the second member 1367 together, which will movethe actuator 1326 to the first position as shown in FIG. 34.

In an alternative embodiment, the elongate body can be movably coupledto the actuator, instead of the sheath. In such an embodiment, when theactuator is in the first configuration (e.g., FIG. 34), the elongatebody will be moved proximally such that a distal end portion of theelongate body is at least partially collapsed within a lumen of thesheath. When the actuator is moved to the second configuration (e.g.,FIG. 35), the elongate body will be moved distally, such that the distalend portion is disposed outside of the lumen of the sheath. Although notshown, this embodiment of a medical device can also include an elongatemember, such as elongate member 1174 or 1274 discussed above.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodimentof the invention. In one example, a method includes at 80, disposing adistal end portion of a first elongate body while in a collapsedconfiguration at least partially into an interior of a vertebra. Thefirst elongate body has a cutting portion disposed on a distal endportion. The first elongate body is expanded to an expandedconfiguration at 82. Simultaneously with expanding the first elongatebody, a second elongate body that is disposed within a lumen of thefirst elongate body is moved from a collapsed configuration to anexpanded configuration at 84. At 86, the first elongate body is rotatedwhile in the expanded configuration such that the cutting portiondisrupts cancellous bone within the interior portion of the vertebra.The second elongate body is configured to prevent at least a portion ofdisrupted cancellous bone from being disposed within the first elongatebody during the rotating of the first elongate body. In someembodiments, the expanding includes moving a volume of fluid from areservoir to an interior portion of the second elongate body. In someembodiments, the first elongate body includes a plurality of armmembers, and the second elongate body is configured to prevent at leasta portion of disrupted cancellous bone from entering into an interiorportion defined by the plurality of arm members during the rotating.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to anotherembodiment of the invention. In this example, a method includes at 81,inserting a medical device in a collapsed configuration at leastpartially into a biological body. The biological body can be, forexample, a vertebra or an intervertebral disc. In some embodiments,during the inserting, at least a portion of tissue within the biologicalbody can be penetrated with a distal end of the elongate body. Themedical device can have a sheath and an elongate body at least partiallydisposed within a lumen of the sheath. The distal end of the elongatebody can include a plurality of cutting portions. At 83 the sheath ismoved proximally such that a distal end portion of the elongate body isdisposed outside of the lumen of the sheath and within the biologicalbody. Once outside of the lumen of the sheath, the distal end portion ofthe elongate body can assume a biased expanded configuration. At 85, insome embodiments, a rod that can optionally be disposed within a lumenof the elongate body can be moved proximally such that the distal endportion of the elongate body is moved to an expanded configuration. Insuch an embodiment, the rod can be moved simultaneously or sequentiallywith the moving of the sheath at 83.

At 87, with the distal end portion of the elongate body in the expandedconfiguration, the medical device can be rotated such that the cuttingportions of the distal end portion of the elongate body disrupt at leasta portion of tissue within the biological body. In some embodiments, thedistal end portion of the elongate body in the expanded configurationcan be used to distract at least a portion of tissue within thebiological body.

In some embodiments, at 89, after rotating the medical device, a fluidcan optionally be injected through a lumen of the rod and into aninterior region defined by the distal end portion of the elongate body.In some embodiments, after the rotating the medical device, at 90 tissuefragments can optionally be suctioned from an interior region defined bythe distal end portion of the elongate body through a lumen of the rodand to a location outside of the biological body. At 91, in anembodiment having an optional rod, after rotating the medical device,the rod can be moved distally such that the distal end portion of theelongate body is moved to a collapsed configuration. At 92, the sheathcan be moved distally until at least a portion of the distal end portionof the elongate body is disposed within the lumen of the sheath.

FIG. 38 illustrates a method according to yet another embodiment of theinvention. In this example, a method includes at 93, inserting anexpandable medical device in a collapsed configuration into a biologicalbody, such as a vertebra or an intervertebral disc. The medical devicecan include, for example, an actuator that biases the medical deviceinto an expanded configuration and that moves the medical device to thecollapsed configuration when actuated. A distal end portion of themedical device defines a plurality of openings in communication with aninterior region defined by the distal end portion of the medical device.In some embodiments, the medical device can include a tapered distal endthat can penetrate tissue while inserting the medical device into thebiological body. At 94, the medical device is moved to an expandedconfiguration. For example, an actuator can be released to allow themedical device to assume a biased or pre-set expanded configuration.

At 95, the distal end portion of the medical device is rotated withinthe biological body such that at least a portion of tissue within thebiological body is disrupted. For example, the distal end portion of themedical device can include multiple arms configured to disrupt tissuewhen rotated. At 96, after rotating the medical device, a distal endportion of an elongate member can be moved distally within a lumen ofthe medical device and into the interior region of the distal endportion of the medical device. The elongate member can displace tissuefragments from the interior region. For example, the medical device caninclude multiple arms that define the interior region when the medicaldevice is in the expanded configuration, and tissue fragments can bedisplaced through openings defined by the multiple arms of the distalend portion of the medical device. In some embodiments, at 97 a fluidcan optionally be introduced into the interior region of the medicaldevice via the elongate member. For example, the elongate member candefine a lumen through which fluid can be introduced. In someembodiments, at 98 tissue fragments can optionally be suctioned out ofthe interior region and through a lumen defined by the elongate member.

The medical device for any of the embodiments may be constructed withany suitable material used for such a medical device. The elongatebodies for any embodiments can be formed with nitinol, superelasticnitinol, or other shape-memory material. The elongate bodies, the rods,the elongate members and the sheaths can each be formed with variousbiocompatible metal materials, such as stainless steel, titanium,titanium alloy, surgical steel, metal alloys, or suitable biocompatibleplastic materials, such as various polymers, polyetheretherketone(PEEK), carbon fiber, ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene,etc., or various elastic materials, flexible materials, various rubbermaterials, or combinations of various materials thereof. The cuttingmember can likewise be constructed with suitable biocompatible metals orplastics. The flexible expandable member can be formed with variousflexible or expandable materials such as plastics (e.g., variouspolymers) and/or rubber materials having flexible or expandablecharacteristics.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, itshould be understood that they have been presented by way of exampleonly, and not limitation. Where methods and steps described aboveindicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinaryskill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would recognizethat the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that suchmodifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention.Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in aparallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially asdescribed above. The embodiments have been particularly shown anddescribed, but it will be understood that various changes in form anddetails may be made.

For example, although various embodiments have been described as havingparticular features and/or combinations of components, other embodimentsare possible having a combination or sub-combination of any featuresand/or components from any of embodiments as discussed above. Forexample, the first elongate body and the second elongate body can eachbe moved between their collapsed and expanded configurations by meansother than those described herein. For example, a medical deviceaccording to an embodiment described herein can be actuated with aseparate actuator or device.

In addition, any of the embodiments of a medical device can include aratchet mechanism operatively coupled to the actuator. This would allowthe medical device to be actuated or expanded/collapsed at differentincrements and /or sizes. A medical device according to the inventioncan use more than one type of actuator. For example, a medical devicecan include a pushrod or a pullrod and a movable sheath in combination.Various types of different handles can also be used.

Further, the various components of a medical device as described hereincan have a variety of different shapes and or size not specificallyillustrated. For example, the distal end portions of the first elongatebody and the second elongate body can have a variety of different shapesand sizes. A distal end portion of an elongate body that has a flexiblemembrane configuration (e.g., a balloon) can be, for example, circular,oval, square, rectangular, triangular, oblong, peanut shaped, etc. Inanother example, a distal end portion of an elongate body having awhisk-type configuration can be, for example, square, rectangular, oval,circular, triangular, etc. A medical device according to the inventioncan include one or more elongate bodies, one or more expandableportions, and/or one or more actuators.

Although the use of a medical device was described with a specificexample of use within a vertebra, it should be understood that themedical device and methods described herein can be used in other areasof a patient, such as for example, within an intervertebral disc. Forexample, the medical device can be used in other areas within a spine,as well as other bone or soft tissue areas within a patient's body.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a first elongate body having a distal endportion, the distal end portion having a plurality of cutting portions,a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the pluralityof cutting portions configured to disrupt at least a portion of tissuewithin a biological body when the distal end portion is in the expandedconfiguration; a second elongate body movably coupled to the firstelongate body; and an actuator operatively coupled to a proximal endportion of the second elongate body and configured to bias the secondelongate body such that the distal end portion of the first elongatebody is in the expanded configuration, the actuator configured to movethe second elongate body such that first elongate body is in thecollapsed configuration when the actuator is actuated.
 2. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the second elongate body is a rod movably disposedwithin a lumen of the first elongate body.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the second elongate body is a sheath defining a lumen, the firstelongate body being at least partially disposed within the lumen of thesheath.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second elongate bodydefines a lumen and an opening at a distal end portion of the secondelongate body, the lumen configured to communicate a fluid through theopening and into an interior region defined by the distal end portion ofthe first elongate body.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstelongate body defines a lumen, the second elongate body is at leastpartially disposed within the lumen of the first elongate body, thesecond elongate body has an outer diameter substantially smaller than aninner diameter of the lumen of the first elongate body.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein a distal end of the first elongate body isconfigured to penetrate tissue within the biological body.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of arms define an interiorregion and terminate at a distal end of the first elongate body
 8. Anapparatus, comprising: a first elongate body having a distal endportion, the distal end portion having a plurality of cutting portions,a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the pluralityof cutting portions configured to disrupt at least a portion of tissuewithin a biological body when the distal end portion is in the expandedconfiguration; a second elongate body movably coupled to the firstelongate body; and an actuator coupled to a proximal end portion of thesecond elongate body and configured to bias the second elongate bodysuch that the distal end portion of the first elongate body is in thecollapsed configuration, the actuator configured to move the secondelongate body such that the distal end portion of the first elongatebody is in the expanded configuration when the actuator is actuated. 9.The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second elongate body is a rodmovably disposed within a lumen of the first elongate body.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the second elongate body is a sheathdefining a lumen, the first elongate body being at least partiallydisposed within the lumen of the sheath.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the second elongate body defines a lumen, a distal end portionof the second elongate body defines an opening, the lumen configured tocommunicate a fluid through the opening and into an interior regiondefined by the distal end portion of the first elongate body.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 8, wherein the first elongate body defines a lumen,the second elongate body is at least partially disposed within the lumenof the first elongate body, the second elongate body has an outerdiameter substantially smaller than an inner diameter of the lumen ofthe first elongate body.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a distalend of the first elongate body is configured to penetrate tissue withinthe biological body.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pluralityof cutting portions define an interior region and terminate at a distalend of the first elongate body.
 15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein adistal end portion of the second elongate body defines an opening, thesecond elongate body configured to communicate tissue fragments from aninterior region defined by the distal end portion of the first elongatebody, through the opening and to a location outside of the biologicalbody.
 16. An apparatus, comprising: a sheath defining a lumen; anelongate body at least partially disposed within the lumen of the sheathand having a distal end portion, the distal end portion of the elongatebody having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; anda rod movably disposed within a lumen of the elongate body; and anactuator coupled to the sheath and the rod, the actuator configured tobias the sheath into a first position and the rod into a first positionsuch that the distal end portion of the elongate body is in the expandedconfiguration.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the rod defines alumen, a distal end portion of the rod defines an opening, the lumenconfigured to communicate a fluid through the opening and into aninterior region defined by the distal end portion of the elongate body.18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the rod has an outer diametersubstantially smaller than an inner diameter of the lumen of theelongate body.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the actuator isconfigured to move the sheath distally and into a second position andthe rod distally and into a second position such that the distal endportion of the elongate body is moved from the expanded configuration tothe collapsed configuration.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein theactuator is configured to move the sheath distally such that at least aportion of the distal end portion of the elongate body is disposedwithin the lumen of the sheath.
 21. The apparatus of claim 16, whereinthe actuator is configured to move the rod distally such that the distalend portion of the elongate body is moved from the expandedconfiguration to the collapsed configuration.
 22. The apparatus of claim16, wherein the elongate body has a tapered distal end configured topenetrate tissue.
 23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the distal endportion of the elongate body has a plurality of arms configured todisrupt at least a portion of tissue within a biological body when thedistal end portion of the elongate body is rotated while disposed withinthe biological body.
 24. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the distalend portion of the elongate body is configured to be inserted into abiological body, the distal end portion of the elongate body defines aninterior region, the rod defines a lumen, a distal end portion of therod defines an opening, the lumen is configured to communicate tissuefragments from within the interior region defined by the distal endportion of the elongate body to a location exterior to the biologicalbody.
 25. A method, comprising: inserting a medical device in acollapsed configuration at least partially into a biological body, themedical device having a sheath and an elongate body at least partiallydisposed within a lumen of the sheath; after the inserting, moving thesheath proximally such that a distal end portion of the elongate body isdisposed outside of the lumen of the sheath and within the biologicalbody, the distal end portion of the elongate body having a plurality ofcutting portions; and rotating the medical device such that the cuttingportions of the distal end portion of the elongate body disrupt at leasta portion of tissue within the biological body.
 26. The method of claim25, further comprising: moving a rod disposed within a lumen of theelongate body proximally such that the distal end portion of theelongate body is moved to an expanded configuration.
 27. The method ofclaim 25, further comprising: simultaneously with moving the sheath,moving a rod disposed within a lumen of the elongate body proximallysuch that the distal end portion of the elongate body is moved to anexpanded configuration.
 28. The method of claim 25, further comprising:moving a rod disposed within a lumen of the elongate body proximallysuch that the distal end portion of the elongate body is moved to anexpanded configuration and the distal end portion of the elongate bodydistracts at least a portion of the tissue.
 29. The method of claim 25,further comprising: after the rotating, moving a rod disposed within alumen of the elongate body distally such that the distal end portion ofthe elongate body is moved to a collapsed configuration.
 30. The methodof claim 25, further comprising: after the rotating, moving a roddisposed within a lumen of the elongate body distally such that thedistal end portion of the elongate body is moved to a collapsedconfiguration; and moving the sheath distally until at least a portionof the distal end portion of the elongate body is disposed within thelumen of the sheath.
 31. The method of claim 25, further comprising:moving a rod disposed within a lumen of the elongate body proximallysuch that the distal end portion of the elongate body is moved to anexpanded configuration, the rod defines a lumen, a distal end portion ofthe rod defines an opening; and injecting a fluid through the lumen ofthe rod and into an interior region defined by the distal end portion ofthe elongate body.
 32. The method of claim 25, further comprising:moving a rod disposed within a lumen of the elongate body proximallysuch that the distal end portion of the elongate body is moved to anexpanded configuration, the rod defines a lumen, a distal end portion ofthe rod defines an opening; and suctioning tissue fragments from aninterior region defined by the distal end portion of the elongate bodythrough the lumen of the rod and to a location outside of the biologicalbody.
 33. The method of claim 25, further comprising: during theinserting, penetrating at least a portion of tissue within thebiological body with a distal end of the elongate body
 34. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the biological body is a vertebra.
 35. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the biological body is an intervertebral disc.